Summers in Athens are hot. So hot, in fact, that many Athenians spend most of their time trying to escape it, often heading to summer houses on Greek islands for a month. For those who stay in the city, there’s only one place to be – at the beach.
Athens has 45 miles of glorious coastline, and I spent five years living within walking distance from it (lucky me!). Where I lived was one of the stretches of sand closest to the city centre, which tends to be packed shore-to-promenade all summer long, but there are some secret spots to visit too. As a general rule of thumb, the further out of the city you travel, the fewer people you’ll find.
Some of my favourite places to visit for a day of sun, sea and sand include the remote coves of Limanakia Vouliagmeni, and the all-amenities-available Astir Beach. But there are plenty of options in between, too, all of which have soft white sands and clear, inviting waters to rival those of the Greek islands.
Whether you’re looking for buzzy beach bars, secluded sands, or somewhere you can sink into as you watch the sun disappear into the Aegean Sea, these are 10 of the best beaches in Athens.
Astir Beach
Best for: the stylish set
Since opening in 1959, Astir Beach has routinely been named the best beach club in Athens. Back in the Sixties, it was frequented by the who’s who of Greek and international society, including Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, Sharon Stone and The Beatles. In 2026? The elite status of this beach holds strong – and it has the clientele to match. As you might imagine, everything here is executed to a high standard: perfectly manicured sand, spotless water, unbeaten service, and a crowd that’s all shades of beautiful. Regular retail pop-ups make an appearance too, with brands including Ancient Greek Sandals, Zeus+Dione and Anotonia Karra previously calling the swanky venue home. Parking is difficult and it’s a bit of a walk from the bus stop too – we suggest a taxi for this one.
Address: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 166 71
Akti Vouliagmeni Beach
Best for: day to night
Just across the road from Astir Beach, on the opposite side of a narrow peninsula and stretching close to one kilometre around a large bay, Akti Vouliagmeni Beach is the place that Athenians have flocked to for decades during hot summer days. Row upon row of sun loungers fill the sand, but the sunbeds and cabanas at Royal Beach are a favourite, as is its restaurant with a food menu of sushi, salads, fresh fish and pasta, and an equally long drinks menu: coffees, fresh juices, smoothies, Greek and international wines, classic cocktails and spritzes. Outside of the beach-club bubble, there’s plenty more to see and do too: sports courts – basketball, volleyball and tennis – flank the sands alongside an outdoor gym, changing rooms and a number of restaurants. BlueFish on its far eastern end is a sure-fire hit for dinner.
